Bath clerk accused of stealing cash from mail

BATH, Maine (AP) — A U.S. postal clerk in Maine stands accused of swiping money from birthday cards and other mail.

Prosecutors say 52-year-old Alan Schoppee of Portland worked at the Bath Post Office for 10 years. He’s charged with theft by a postal employee, which is a felony.

An investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General found that Schoppee swiped money from the mail from May 2005 to May 2007. A federal agent says he admitted to pocketing $20 to $100 a day from the envelopes.

If convicted, Schoppee faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. He’s due in court on Sept. 16.